Highlights of the Trek to Everest High Pass in November
Calm ambiance of autumn in the Everest High Pass
Autumn, for sure, blesses you with the most natural aesthetics of trekking in the Himalayas without having to freeze in the cold. As November is the last autumn month in Nepal, the trail is still vibrant, with clear skies and beautiful panoramic landscapes. Since it's almost winter, you might as well experience light showers of occasional snow at higher altitudes, with a sharp temperature drop, but nothing you can't handle.
The pleasant autumn weather also spares you from having to carry rain gear. Let's remember that the Himalayas' weather can be erratic. Even from that vantage point, autumn temperatures are relatively consistent! And this is even truer in November!
Weather and Temperature
As mentioned earlier, the temperature and weather are in your favor in November. The bright sunny days with crystal clear skies make your travels easy and comfortable. Its inviting atmosphere strikes the ideal balance and enhances your experience of this Himalayan journey. You could even have to remove your heavy jackets at some point just because it feels needless to wear one. Similarly, the wind is less brisk than it is in other months.
During the daytime in November, the temperature often varies between -12 and 20 degrees Celsius. The temperature swings typically between -7 degrees Celsius and 3 degrees Celsius, yet at higher altitude areas, it can even plummet below -20 degrees Celsius at night. You won't need to worry about the temperature dropping because you'll be wrapped up in warm blankets and sleeping bags, especially at night.
There are 5 to 7 hours of daylight each day. When it comes to wind speed, it can reach speeds of up to 7 km/h, but it typically hovers around 5 km/h. November's temperature and weather are ideal for trekking in the Everest region.
Lukla Flight, one menacing flight to the mountains
The early morning mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is the most favorable means of transport to get to the Everest trekking region. You may also take a bus to Jiri and hike up to Lukla; however, it adds more days to your itinerary. Also, you would not want to miss the thrill of landing at one of the most dangerous airports, Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla.
Flights to and from Lukla are frequently canceled due to the unpredictability of weather patterns in other seasons, notably during the monsoon. Flight cancellations are hardly a concern in November. Throughout November, the sky is mostly clear, and the flights depart on time. We still recommend you include a few extra days on your trip.
November festivities in the Khumbu region
In November, you'll get to delve into the Sherpa people's rich cultural legacy in the upper Himalayas. The Mani Rimdu celebration has religious importance among the Everest region's active Buddhists, especially in Tengboche, Thame, and Chiwang monasteries. It is also the largest Buddhist celebration, which typically takes place during the first two weeks of November. The ability to experience Sherpa food and culture during the festivals will give your journey a profound quality.
Accommodation and meals in the Everest High Pass
Since autumn is one of the peak trekking seasons, most teahouses run with full occupancy in November. The rooms are typically available on sharing basis with either 2, 3, or even up to six beds in one room. So, if you are a solo trekker, be prepared to share the room with fellow trekkers. You'd have to bring your own toiletries and use a shared bathroom.
The meals are freshly prepared and mainly consist of Nepali Daal Bhat (rice, lentil soup, veggies, and pickles) for dinner, Tibetan bread or white bread toast with eggs and tea/coffee for breakfast, and a few options of soup or noodles for lunch. It's best to avoid meat and carry some snacks to munch during the hike.
The rough yet marvelous Everest Three Pass
You will experience the best the area offers on the Everest High Pass hike, including 3 major high passes, the magnificent Gokyo valley, and pristine teal-hued Gokyo lakes! Having said that, climbing over 5000 meters to traverse the treacherous Kala Patthar and high-altitude passes is not for the faint-hearted. It is equally challenging as it is beautiful.
During the Everest Three Passes hike, you get to not only inhale the freshness of raw nature but also learn more about the Sherpa culture. Traversing charming Sherpa villages that are also historically significant, like Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Gorakshep, and visiting ancient monasteries is an experience you can get nowhere else. No doubt, November brings out the best of the entire trekking expedition.
What a typical day of trekking in the Everest region looks like?
Each day of the trek starts with a warm and filling breakfast with the Himalayan view at around 7 am. Then you begin the hike passing through villages, forests, or rocky mountains for about 4-5 hours, depending on the distance to be traveled on that particular day. After lunch at a tea shop, you resume the hike and walk for another 3-4 hours. You rest and chat with the hosts or fellow hikers at the teahouse, where you have dinner and stay the night.
How difficult is it to trek to the Everest Three Passes in November?
The Everest Three Passes Trek, among other treks in the Khumbu region, is one of the most strenuous hikes. It's a long 3 weeks trek where you walk through the most difficult trails to reach the high-altitude passes. Altitude sickness is the most common concern while hiking in the Himalayas, which can be prevented by adequate acclimatization and hydration. It's always advised to have some prior trekking experience or at least be in good physical shape to prepare for this challenging trek to Everest High Pass.
Is hiring a guide and potter to trek in the Everest High Pass Mandatory?
It is optional to hire a guide or a potter to trek to Everest High Pass in November. However, considering the rugged landscape and the long distance to cover, it will be tough for you to carry your own luggage. To be safe, we suggest you get a potter who carries up to 24 kg of luggage (12 kg per person). Having an English-speaking guide with you makes the hike even safer as they're well-trained and well-aware of the path and weather.
Things to remember before trekking to Everest High Pass in November
- You must get yourself mentally and physically ready for the trek.
- To get the most out of your hike, employ a guide and a porter.
- Take all necessary precautions and be mindful of altitude sickness.
- Only book a tour through a reputable and reliable trekking company.
- Plan on adding a few additional days, just in case.
As the saying goes, "No Pain, no gain" to behold this heavenly beauty comes with a cost. Let us tell you, the trek to Everest High Pass is a challenging one, even for experienced trekkers. You traverse through rough Himalayan terrain with numerous ascends and descends in high altitudes, and your body might hate you for putting through the pain. However, the satisfaction you get after completing the trek is priceless.
We hope you got the gist of what it's like to trek to Everest High Pass in November. We are one of the leading trekking companies in Nepal with an experience of over 2 decades and can provide you with the best package deals. For any additional information or to book the trek with Outfitter Nepal, feel free to send us a message via a contact form at the end of the page, or you are also free to mail us. Happy Trekking!
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